How To Cite Wgu Course Material

How to Cite WGU Course Materials: A Comprehensive Guide

Western Governors University (WGU) offers a flexible, competency-based education model, allowing students to learn at their own pace. However, this flexibility often raises questions regarding proper citation of course materials when completing assignments or writing papers. Understanding how to correctly cite WGU course materials is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, clarifying the complexities and providing examples for various citation styles.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Citation

Before delving into the specifics of citing WGU materials, it's vital to understand why proper citation is so important. Academic integrity is paramount in higher education. Failing to cite sources, regardless of the source type, constitutes plagiarism – a serious offense that can lead to academic penalties, including failing grades or even expulsion. Proper citation:

• Gives Credit Where Credit Is Due: Acknowledges the intellectual property rights of the authors and creators of the WGU course materials.
• Supports Your Arguments: Provides evidence for your claims and strengthens the credibility of your work.
• Avoids Plagiarism: Protects you from accusations of academic dishonesty and maintains your academic standing.
• Enhances Your Credibility: Demonstrates your understanding of research ethics and proper scholarly practices.
• Allows for Verification: Enables readers to locate the source material and verify the accuracy of your information.

Identifying Different Types of WGU Course Materials

WGU utilizes a variety of resources within its online courses. Understanding the specific type of material you're citing is essential for accurate citation. Common types include:

• Course Textbooks (eBooks and Physical Texts): These are often core components of WGU courses and may be provided digitally or physically.
• Course Documents: This broad category includes syllabi, lesson plans, presentations, articles, and other materials provided directly by WGU instructors or the course developers.
• Videos and Multimedia: WGU courses often incorporate videos, animations, and other multimedia content to enhance learning.
• Interactive Simulations and Activities: These are engaging learning tools that might not have traditional authorship but still need to be cited if used as evidence in your work.
• Discussion Forums and Peer Interactions: While generally not directly cited, contributions from classmates should never be presented as your original work.
• Mentorship and Instructor Feedback: This is generally not directly cited as source material, but the guidance received may influence your work.

Choosing the Right Citation Style

The specific citation style you use depends on the requirements of your course or assignment. The most common styles include:

• MLA (Modern Language Association): Widely used in humanities disciplines.
• APA (American Psychological Association): Commonly used in social sciences, education, and psychology.
• Chicago/Turabian: Used in history, literature, and other fields.

While the specific formatting differs between these styles, the fundamental principles remain the same: you need to provide enough information for the reader to locate the source material.

Citing Different WGU Materials in Various Styles

Let's look at how to cite different types of WGU course materials using MLA, APA, and Chicago styles. Remember, these are examples and you should always consult the most recent style guides for precise formatting.

Example 1: Citing a WGU eBook

Let's say you are using an ebook titled "Introduction to Psychology" within a WGU course.

• MLA:

  • Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. Title of eBook. Western Governors University, Year of Publication. [Platform Name, if applicable].
  • Example: Smith, John. Introduction to Psychology. Western Governors University, 2023. WGU Online Library.

• APA:

  • Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. (Year). Title of eBook. Western Governors University. [Platform Name, if applicable].
  • Example: Smith, J. (2023). Introduction to Psychology. Western Governors University. WGU Online Library.

• Chicago (Notes and Bibliography):

  • Note: John Smith, Introduction to Psychology (Western Governors University, 2023), [Platform Name, if applicable].
  • Bibliography: Smith, John. Introduction to Psychology. Western Governors University, 2023.

Example 2: Citing a Course Document (PDF)

Assume you are using a PDF document titled "Ethical Considerations in Research" provided within your course materials.

• MLA:

  • "Title of Document." Course Name, Western Governors University, Date of Access.
  • Example: "Ethical Considerations in Research." Research Methods, Western Governors University, 2023 Oct 26.

• APA:

  • "Title of Document." (Date). Course Name. Western Governors University. Retrieved from [Course Platform Link, if applicable].
  • Example: "Ethical Considerations in Research." (2023, October 26). Research Methods. Western Governors University. Retrieved from [Course Platform Link, if applicable].

• Chicago (Notes and Bibliography):

  • Note: "Ethical Considerations in Research," Research Methods (Western Governors University, accessed October 26, 2023).
  • Bibliography: "Ethical Considerations in Research." Research Methods. Western Governors University, accessed October 26, 2023.

Example 3: Citing a Course Video

Suppose you're referencing a video lecture titled "The History of the Roman Empire" from your history course.

• MLA:

  • "Title of Video." Course Name, Western Governors University, Year. [Platform Name, if applicable].
  • Example: "The History of the Roman Empire." Ancient Rome, Western Governors University, 2023. WGU Course Platform.

• APA:

  • "Title of Video." (Year). [Video file]. Course Name. Western Governors University. [Platform Name, if applicable].
  • Example: "The History of the Roman Empire." (2023). [Video file]. Ancient Rome. Western Governors University. WGU Course Platform.

• Chicago (Notes and Bibliography):

  • Note: "The History of the Roman Empire," Ancient Rome (Western Governors University, 2023).
  • Bibliography: "The History of the Roman Empire." Ancient Rome. Western Governors University, 2023.

Example 4: Citing an Interactive Simulation

If you are referencing data or conclusions drawn from an interactive simulation, you would treat it similarly to a course document.

• MLA:
  • "Title of Simulation." Course Name, Western Governors University, Date of Access.
  • Example: "Financial Modeling Simulation." Business Finance, Western Governors University, 2023 Nov 1.

Best Practices for Citing WGU Materials

• Accuracy is Key: Double-check all details, including titles, dates, and platform names.
• Consistency is Crucial: Maintain a consistent citation style throughout your entire paper.
• Use a Citation Management Tool: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can simplify the citation process.
• Consult Your Instructor: If you are unsure about how to cite a specific type of WGU material, consult your instructor for guidance.
• Understand Copyright: Remember that WGU course materials are protected by copyright. You may use them for your academic work but should not share them publicly or redistribute them without permission.

Avoiding Plagiarism: Beyond Proper Citation

While proper citation is crucial, it’s only part of avoiding plagiarism. Plagiarism also includes:

• Submitting someone else's work as your own: This applies even if you cite the source.
• Paraphrasing too closely: You need to summarize and synthesize information in your own words while still properly citing the source.
• Self-plagiarism: Submitting your own previous work without appropriate modifications and acknowledgment.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating the complexities of citing WGU course materials requires careful attention to detail and a clear understanding of academic integrity. By following the guidance provided in this comprehensive guide, and by adhering to the principles of proper citation, you can ensure the accuracy and credibility of your work while upholding the highest standards of academic honesty. Remember that consulting your instructor or the WGU library resources remains the best way to resolve any lingering doubts. Always prioritize academic integrity – it’s the foundation of a successful and rewarding educational journey.